Smart adaptor assembly

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for a lighting assembly for a vehicle can include a housing assembly and a set of adaptors. Vehicles today are often limited to specific wiring harnesses or connection types based upon manufacturer. Each adaptor of the set of adaptors can include a different connection type. The adaptors are interchangeably connectable to the housing assembly in order to vary the connection type based upon the specific wiring harness or connection type of the particular vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/782,588, filed Feb. 5, 2020, now allowed, which claims priority toand the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/801,163filed Feb. 5, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to lighting assemblies that includemultiple connection methods. More specifically, this disclosure relatesto an interchangeable adaptor integrated into a lighting assembly tosupport connection among a variety of interface connection types.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle lighting assemblies often use wiring harnesses that haveconnectors pre-installed to interface with a lighting assembly.Furthermore, manufacturers that supply both lighting assemblies andwiring harnesses have integrated the connector into the lightingassembly, such that the manufacturer-specific wiring harness isrequired. Thus, there is a need for a connector assembly that canconnect to multiple different types of wiring harnesses or connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle lightingassembly comprising: a housing assembly; a light; and an adaptor,removably connectable to the housing assembly, for electrically orcommunicatively coupling to the housing assembly, whereby the adaptor isreplaceable at the housing assembly to interface with differentconfigurations of wiring systems.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle lightadaptor assembly comprising: a housing assembly including a receptaclewith an electrical interface; a light coupled to the housing assembly; aset of adaptors, each removably connectable to the housing assembly atthe electrical interface, for adapting the housing assembly to connectto a particular type of vehicle wiring harness; an adaptor controllerprovided within at least one adaptor of the set of adaptors; wherein theset of adaptors are interchangeable with the housing assembly at thereceptacle to electrically couple any vehicle wiring harness to thelight.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle lightadaptor assembly comprising: a housing assembly including a receptaclewith an electrical interface; a light coupled to the housing assembly; aset of adaptors, each removably connectable to the housing assembly atthe electrical interface, for adapting the housing assembly to connectto a particular type of vehicle wiring harness; a sensor; wherein theset of adaptors are interchangeable with the housing assembly at thereceptacle to electrically couple any vehicle wiring harness to thelight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1D are four exemplary electrical connectors.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a lighting assembly for a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a sectional exploded view of a lighting assembly for avehicle.

FIGS. 4A-4C show a front view of a lighting assembly with a light,illustrating different positions for a sensor relative to the light.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another lighting assembly.

FIGS. 6A-6C show exploded views for three exemplary types of adaptors.

FIG. 7 shows a method of installing an adaptor to a housing for alighting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the disclosure described herein are directed to a method andapparatus for a vehicle electrical system, vehicle communicationsnetwork, combination thereof, as well as vehicle lighting system. Morespecifically, the disclosure herein relates to a lighting assembly thatincludes an interchangeable set of adapters. The interchangeable set ofadapters permit a user or installer to change the adapter type whichpermits the lighting assembly to connect to any type of vehicle, vehiclewiring harness, or vehicle electrical or communication system.

Additionally, as used herein, the terms “radial” or “radially” refer toa direction away from a common center. Furthermore, as used herein, theterm “set” or a “set” of elements can be any number of elements,including only one. All directional references (e.g., radial, axial,proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral,front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise,counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, forward, aft, etc.) are onlyused for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding ofthe present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly asto the position, orientation, or use of aspects of the disclosuredescribed herein. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled,connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and can includeintermediate members between a collection of elements and relativemovement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such,connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements aredirectly connected and in fixed relation to one another. The exemplarydrawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions,positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attachedhereto can vary.

FIGS. 1A-1D show the three types of primary connectors for a vehicle,with FIG. 1D showing an example where one assembly includes twoconnectors. Referring to FIG. 1A specifically, a connector assembly 10includes a connector 12, which has three prongs 14 provided with anopen-end housing 16. Additionally, two clasps 18 extend from the housing16, configured to secure a matching or mating electrical connector. Morespecifically, the connector 12 can be a male connector, adapted toreceive a female connector and secure the two together with the clasps18 holding a female connector (not shown) to the male connector 12.

FIG. 1B is similar to that of the connector 12 in FIG. 1A, except thatthe connector assembly 20 of FIG. 1B includes three individual ordiscrete receptacles 26, which are provided between a pair of opposingguides 22. Each guide 22 can include a rib 24 for guiding acomplementary connector to mate with the connector assembly 20.

FIG. 1C is also similar to that of the prior connectors 12, 20, exceptthat the connector assembly 30 of FIG. 1C includes three male prongs 32housed within a racetrack-shaped housing 34. The housing can include atab 36 configured to secure a mating connector (not shown) to theconnector assembly 30. A guide 38 can position near, but spaced from thehousing 34, acting as a guide to orient and properly align a matingconnector (not shown) to the connector assembly 30.

FIG. 1D shows another exemplary connector assembly 40 that includes twodifferent connectors 42, 44. The connectors 42, 44 can be the same asany of those provided in FIGS. 1A-1C.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) typically use a single connectortype across multiple different vehicle types or manufacturers, resultingin retailers, users, dealerships, or repair shops being required tosupport multiple different configurations of wiring systems. If an OEMstandardizes one type of wiring harness or wiring system, a user willnot be able to install a competitor's light if the competitor has adifferent standardized connector. Furthermore, it is common thatdifferent manufacturers, suppliers, or those involved in the industryuse different connectors than those of other manufacturers, suppliers orotherwise. Thus, there is a need for a light assembly for a vehicle thatcan be utilized among multiple OEMs. Without a universal type connector,users or purchasers are limited to purchasing the type of light thatconforms to the OEM's specification, or the particular harness orelectrical network, or are limited in the items available by theparticular OEM.

There are three main types of connectors, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. Itshould be appreciated that the invention is not limited by thoseconnectors shown, and can be made in conformity with any type ofconnector or wiring harness. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for OEMs toutilize different types of connectors for different parts on a vehicle.Thus, there can be a need for different types of connectors even withinthe same vehicle.

One solution in the industry is that OEMs are utilizing wiring harnessesthat have multiple connectors, so they can utilize different lights.However, users are still limited by the types of connectors that areprovided on the wiring harness, and the OEMs making the harnesses areleft with higher costs to include the multiple connector harnesses, aswell as increased opportunity for failure due to the increasedcomplexity of the harness system. Thus, there is a need for acost-effective means for a universal connector system that is easy touse, weather resistant, and does not require wiring work or splicing.

Another solution is to utilize a jumper connector or harness to adapt tothe particular OEM's harness type. However, the jumper connector isexpensive, and can be a significant cost among a fleet of vehicles.Furthermore, the jumper increases the chance of system failure by addingadditional elements to the overall system, and increasing complexity.

Yet another solution is to utilize a single molded connector that hasmore than one connector type, as shown in FIG. 1D. However, similar tothe wiring harness with multiple connectors, users are still merelylimited to the different connector types on the light assembly, andcosts are also increased, often unnecessarily. Furthermore, one of themultiple connectors remains unoccupied, which give rise to theopportunity for failure, or for moisture exposure which can lead toleakage or even corrosion. Further yet, the assembly which includesmultiple connector types is larger, which has a negative impact onspacing constraints in a system where spacing concerns already exist.Thus, the solutions that exist still require that the user keeps aninventory to accommodate multiple connector types, or utilize anexpensive product capable of supporting multiple different connectors.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a lighting assembly 110, including abody, light body, housing, housing assembly 112 and light adaptor 114.The light adaptor 114 is removably attachable to the housing assembly112, such as by using a fastener 116, while other fastening means ormethod are contemplated. The housing assembly 112 can include a housing118, as well as a light (120, shown in FIG. 3 ), such as a lightemitting diode (LED) or other suitable light source. The housing 118 canbe at least partially translucent, such that the light generated by thelight 120 is emitted through the housing 118.

The housing 118 can further include a recess 122. The recess 122 can beshaped and sized to receive the light adaptor 114, and such thatadjacent exterior surfaces are flush with one another. In this way, itshould be appreciated that the recess 122 as shown can be any suitableshape, and any shape, geometry, or design are contemplated. The lightadaptor 114 can be made of a soft or compressible material to form aseal when positioned within the recess 122. Alternatively, the recess122 can include a dedicated seal, such as a gasket or o-ring shapedcomplementary to the recess 122, which can seal the connection betweenthe light adaptor 114 and the housing assembly 112. Additionally, such aseal can provide for waterproofing or weatherproofing the lightingassembly 110 at the electrical connection between the housing assembly112 and the light adaptor 114. Furthermore, the seal can provide forreducing or minimizing vibrations at the lighting assembly 110.Preferably, the light adaptor 114 or a dedicated seal is made from asomewhat flexible material to provide vibration attenuation in additionto weatherproofing, while also being wear resistant. The recess 122 canalso include a clocking feature 126, or keyway, such as a truncatedcorner, for one of the corners of the recess 122, as shown. Such aclocking feature 126, or keyway, provides for limiting the connectionbetween the housing assembly 112 and the light adaptor 114, such thatonly a single orientation provides for connection among the two. Arequired orientation can ensure proper connection between the lightadaptor 114 and the housing assembly 112.

An electrical interface 140, shown as a generic three-pin connection,can be provided within the recess 122. The electrical interface 140 canprovide for interfacing or electrically coupling the light adaptor 114to the housing assembly 112. The electrical interface 140 can be astandardized electrical interface, which can be common to a plurality ofdifferent adaptors. A generic electrical interface can be utilized,which can be common to a plurality of different types of light adaptors114, and a particular connection type is not needed. Similarly, thelight adaptor 114 can include a complementary electrical interfacereceptacle or receiver, best seen in FIG. 3 , for electrically couplingthe light adaptor 114 to the housing assembly 112. In this way, thelight assembly 110 is powered and operated via the light adaptor 114.Furthermore, the electrical interface 140 provides communication betweencomponents within the light assembly 110, such as a sensor, a light, acontroller or circuit board, transceiver, or any other electricalcomponent.

The light adaptor 114 can include a housing 150 and an adaptor connector152. The housing 150 can be made of a softer material than that of thehousing assembly 112, such that it conforms to the housing assembly 112to form a seal. The adaptor connector 152 can be vehicle or harnessspecific. For example, the adaptor connector 152 can be the same asthose used in the industry, such as that of FIGS. 1A-1C, while othersuitable connectors are contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional exploded view of the lightingassembly 110 better illustrates the attachment between the housingassembly 112 and the lighting assembly 110. In the sectional view, thelight adaptor 114 includes a circuit board 154 a, or other suitablecontroller or processor feature. As shown, the circuit board 154 a canbe wholly contained within the housing 150, such that the housing 150protects the circuit board 154 a from moisture or the exteriorenvironment. It should be appreciated that the circuit board 154 a canbe a suitable controller for controlling and operating the lightingassembly 110. For example, the circuit board 154 a can include aprocessor and memory for sending, receiving, interpreting, or generatingelectrical signals, instructions, or information for controlling andoperating the lighting assembly 110. Additionally, it is contemplatedthat the light adaptor assembly 110 or circuit board 154 a include atransmitter, capable of sending or receiving instructions eitherwirelessly, or via a wired connection through the light adaptor 114. Acontroller can control operation of the lighting assembly 110, such ascontrolling brightness, luminance, period or schedule for flashingoperation, or even historical information related to operation of thelighting assembly 110, in non-limiting examples. It is also contemplatedthat other common electrical components typical with a circuit board canbe utilized.

Further, it is contemplated that the circuit board 154 a can includeactive circuitry. Active circuitry can include circuitry, a processor ormicroprocessor, a memory, a transceiver, or other circuitry which canoversee fault monitoring, as well as communication with the vehicle orvehicle system.

Further still, the circuit board 154 a is shown as provided in the lightadaptor 114, but need not be limited to the light adaptor 114. Forexample, the circuit board 154 b can be provided in the housing assembly112, as opposed to the light adaptor 114, and any processing oroperations performed by the circuit board 154 b can be communicated toor interpreted from the vehicle system or wiring harness through thelight adaptor 114. Further yet, it is contemplated that the lightingassembly 110 includes two circuit boards 154 a, 154 b; one in thehousing assembly 112, and one in the light adaptor 114, or even eitherof the housing assembly 112 or the light adaptor 114 including twocircuit boards 154 a, 154 b. More specifically, the indication of asecond circuit board 154 b being limited to the housing assembly 112need not limit the position of a first circuit board 154 a to the lightadaptor 114. Two circuit boards 154 a, 154 b can be advantageous foroperating the lighting assembly while incorporating additionalfunctionalities beyond merely lighting, such as utilizing a sensor 160to make measurements and provide information or instruction via anelectrical signal from the sensor 160, to the second circuit board 154b, through the electrical interface 140, 146, through the first circuitboard 154 a, and to a vehicle system at a connection to the adaptorconnector 152. For example, the second circuit board 154 b canperiodically instruct the sensor 160 to make a measurement, such asevery second. The second circuit board 154 b can store, parse, orotherwise interpret a signal from the sensor 160 representative of ameasurement. Then, the second circuit board 154 b can determine a needto forward the signal, or generate another signal, to communicate to thevehicle system based upon a measurement from the sensor 160. In thisway, the circuit board 154 a, 154 b can provide for additionalfunctionality, beyond that of a typical light or lighting assembly,without requiring additional components, harnesses, wiring, orfunctionalities. The adaptor 114, not only can be tailored to theparticular harness or connection types, but can also include tailoredfunctionalities based upon the particular adaptor being used.

As is appreciable, the housing 150 of the light adaptor 114 can includean extension 148, shaped complementary to the recess 122 in the housingassembly 112, as well as a set of receptacles or electrical interfaces146 complementary to the electrical interface 140. It should be furtherunderstood that the particular shapes or geometry as shown areexemplary, and that any suitable mating organization between the housingassembly 112 and the light adaptor 114 is contemplated. An organizationor arrangement that seals the lighting assembly 110 at the junctionbetween the housing assembly 112 and the light adaptor 114 ispreferable, while it is noted that a seal can provide suitable sealing,without requiring a waterproof seal be formed by the junction alonewithout the seal.

A groove 156 for carrying a mounting grommet 158 can be provided in thehousing assembly 112. The mounting grommet 158 can provide for mountingthe housing assembly 112, and attached light adaptor 114, to a vehicle159 or other suitable unit, while also maintaining the seal among thehousing assembly 112 and the light adaptor 114. As schematically shown,the mounting grommet 158 mounts the housing assembly 112 to the vehicle159. It should be further understood that a grommet need not be used tomount the lighting assembly 110 to the vehicle 159, but any suitablemounting assembly, unit, or means is contemplated.

An optional module 170 a-170 d (collectively referred to as 170) can beutilized with the lighting assembly 110. The module 170 can be utilizedor incorporated into the lighting assembly in a variety of ways, a fewnon-limiting examples of which will be discussed herein. Generally, themodule 170 can provide for additionally connection, instruction,communication control, or functionality for the lighting assembly. Morespecifically, the module 170 could provide Bluetooth®, or othertechnology communication standards (such as those promulgated by theIEEE) for operating, instructing, or communicating with the lightingassembly 110. Non-limiting examples of additional functionalities caninclude light pattern, such as flash or blink pattern, light frequency,light intensity, light color, luminance, brightness, or other suitablefunctionalities. Furthermore, such a module 170 could provide forcontrol of such functionalities by the user. For example, an applicationor software utilized on a smart phone or other mobile device, or on thevehicle itself, can provide for operating such functionalities for thelighting assembly 110 remotely. Alternatively, the module 170 can becontrolled by the circuit boards 154 a, 154 b, or other controller incommunication with the lighting assembly 110.

In one example, the module 170 can be integrated within one or both ofthe circuit boards 154 a, 154 b. In the example where the module 170 isintegrated with both circuit boards 154 a, 154 b, there can be twomodules 170 a, 170 b.

In another example, the module 170 c can be incorporated within thephysical assembly of the lighting assembly 110. More specifically, themodule 170 c can be a dedicated module that is configured to mount,couple, or otherwise connect to the housing assembly 112. For example,the module 170 c can be a physical component configured to connect toone or both of the housing assembly 112 or the light adaptor 114. It isenvisioned that the module 170 c could include connections or connectorscomplementary to the electrical interface 140, 146, or the adaptorconnector 152, or any combination thereof. In such an example, themodule 170 c can operate as an intermediate structure between the lightadaptor 114 and the housing assembly 112, providing communication,power, or both between the two.

In yet another example, the module 170 c could connect to the adaptorconnector 152, as well as including an additional matching connector onthe module 170 c to couple to the particular wiring harness. In stillanother example, there could be a dedicated connector receiver 172provided on either of the housing assembly 112 or the light adaptor 114for selectively connecting the module 170 d to the lighting assembly110.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, the lighting assembly 110 as described hereincan further include a sensor 160. A front view of the light assembly 110is shown as three different variations for a sensor placement relativeto the light 120. In FIG. 4A, the sensor 160 a can be placed in thecenter of the light 120. The light 120 need not be circular, and thesensor 160 a can be placed centrally, regardless of the shape of thelight 120 or the lighting assembly 110.

FIG. 4B shows the sensor 160 b provided along an edge 164 of the light120. While shown at the bottom of the light 120, it should beappreciated that the sensor 160 b can be provided along any edge 164,and need not be placed at the bottom as shown. Similarly, in FIG. 4C,the sensor 160 c is provided as a band extending across the light 120,through the center of the light 120. Alternatively, it is contemplatedthat the band need not extend in a manner parallel to the edges of thelighting assembly 110, as shown, but can extend as the band in anyangled orientation, relative to the lighting assembly 110, and need notextend through the center of the light 120, but can be offset from thecenter. Furthermore, it should be understood that the sensors 160 shownin FIGS. 4A-4C can be provided in any position or arrangement, and thedisclosure should not be limited to those embodiments shown in FIGS.4A-4C. Similarly, multiple sensors are contemplated.

The sensor 160 as described in FIGS. 4A-4C, can provide for generating asignal or other communication means. The generated signal orcommunication is sent to the circuit board 154 a, 154 b, where thesignal can be parsed, saved, acted on, forwarded to another controller,or otherwise utilized. For example, signal can include serial datacommunication of the sensor functions. The signal can be two-way,including sending and receiving information, or even including systemsor control elements capable of encoding or decoding information,transmission bus translation mechanisms, or other software, hardware,systems or otherwise needed to interface with the vehicle or the vehiclecontrol system. In another example, the signal transmitting to or fromthe sensor 160 can be communicated remotely via the module 170. It isfurther contemplated that operation of the sensor 160 can be controlledby or incorporated into the functionality of the module 170. In thisway, the lighting assembly 110 can not only provide for universalconnection for vehicle harnesses, but for incorporating and providingadditional information, functionality, or other services to the vehiclenetwork via the sensor 160 in the light assembly 110.

It should be appreciated that integrating the sensor 160 into thelighting assembly 110 also provides for eliminating additional wiringharnesses or systems otherwise required for sensor implementation. Morespecifically, utilizing the sensor in the lighting assembly 110, whichcan be easily integrated into the vehicle system via the lightingassembly 110, can provide for minimizing the number of componentsrequired for the vehicle, as well as minimizing the need for additionalwiring harnesses or connector types.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , another exemplary lighting assembly 210 isshown, having a differing method or means of attaching or switchingamong multiple connector or adaptor types. The lighting assembly 210includes a housing assembly 212 and a light adaptor 214, similar to thelighting assembly 110 of FIGS. 2-4 . However, the lighting assembly 210is completed by inserting the light adaptor 214 into an opening 216 onthe housing assembly 212, and then twisting the light adaptor 214relative to the housing assembly 212 to secure the light adaptor 214 tothe housing assembly 212, as well as electrically and communicativelycoupling the light adaptor 214 to the housing assembly 212. The assemblyof the light adaptor 214 to the housing assembly 212 is best describedin FIG. 7 .

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, exploded views of three types of lightadaptors 214 that can be interchangeably utilized with the lightingassembly 210 are shown. Referring to FIG. 6A, the light adaptor 214 a isexploded into a set of spring inserts 220, a circuit board 222, a seal224, a housing 226, and a set of terminal pins 228. It should beappreciated that the light adaptor 214 a is oriented in a manner suchthat the spring inserts 220 electrically couple to the housing assembly212, and the set of terminal pins 228 electrically couple to a power oroperational source, such as a vehicle electrical or network system. Inthis way, the light adaptor 214 a electrically couples the lightingassembly 210 to the vehicle power supply and electrical system.

The set of spring inserts 220 provide for compressibly retaining thelight adaptor 214 a with the housing assembly 212, as well aselectrically and communicatively coupling the light adaptor 214 to thehousing assembly 212. The circuit board 222, such as a printed circuitboard, provides for electrically and communicatively coupling the lightadaptor 214 to the housing assembly 212, via the spring inserts 220.Additionally, the circuit board 222 can have additional functionalities,such as creating a small circuit for interpreting or utilizing sensorinformation gathered by a sensor 160, or for formatting, parsing,interpreting, or otherwise communicating or utilizing sensor informationwith the rest of the electrical system, or sending instructions basedupon measured sensor information.

The seal 224 can be formed as a ring in order to conform to the shape ofthe housing 226, while any suitable shape that effectively seals thelight adaptor 214 is contemplated. The seal 224 can position on theunderside of the housing 226, sealing between the housing of the lightadaptor 214 and the housing assembly 212.

The housing 226 includes a body 230 having a first end 232 and a secondend 234. The first end 232 can include a receptacle 236, which can beshaped, configured, or otherwise arranged to receive a standardconnector or wiring harness. As shown, the receptacle 236 can includethree prongs 238 for receiving a three-prong female connector to providepower or an electrical signal to the light adaptor 214 a. The second end234 can include a second receptacle 240, which can be sizedcomplementary to the circuit board 222, for example. Additionally, a setof fingers 242 can extend from the second receptacle 240, which can beused to secure the seal 224 at the housing 226. The housing 226 canfurther include an annular band 244 provided between the first end 232and the second end 234. The fingers 242 can be spaced from the band 244to define a gap 246. The gap 246 can provide for containing the band244, as well as providing for a security feature for securing the lightadaptor 214 a to the housing assembly 212. Such securing is bestdescribed in FIG. 7 . The terminal pins 228 can include a hub portion248, which can be used to mount the pins 228 within the first end 232,such that the pins 228 extend from within the body 230 at the first end232.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the light adaptor 214 b can be substantiallysimilar to that of FIG. 6A, and therefore the discussion will be limitedto the differences between the two. More specifically, the light adaptor214 b includes a set of tab arms 260 that extend away from a band 262.The tab arms 260 include a tab end 264 for securing a standard connectoror wiring harness from the vehicle or electronics assembly. A set ofpins 266 can be secured at a second end 268 of the housing 226 b, butincludes a smaller hub portion 270 as compared with that of FIG. 6A.

Referring to FIG. 6C, the light adaptor 214 c can be substantiallysimilar to that of FIGS. 6A and 6B, and therefore the discussion will belimited to the differences between the different figures. Specifically,the light adaptor 214 c includes a set of receptacles 272 configured toreceive a set of pins (not shown) from a wiring harness or electricalconnector. Furthermore, a body 274 of the light adaptor 214 c includesat least one extension 276, while multiple extensions are contemplated.The extension 276 can act as a keyway, providing for a specificorientation for connecting a wiring harness or connector to the lightadaptor 214 c. Further still, the light adaptor 214 c includes a set oftab arms 278 as two tab arms 278, with opposing tab ends 280. A curvedband 282 extends between the tab arms 278, and can follow the curvatureof a band 284 of the body 274. Such a band 284 provides for improvedstructural integrity

It should be understood that the light adaptors 214 a, 214 b, 214 c ofFIGS. 6A-6C are exemplary, and that variation from the particulararrangements as shown is contemplated. For example, features from onearrangement can be interchanged with, added to, or removed from anotherarrangement. Additionally, the light adaptors 214 need not be limited tothose embodiments as shown, and other standard industry connectors orother suitable electrical connectors are contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , the method of attachment for a lightingassembly 300, such as any light assembly as discussed herein, can beappreciated, and can include removably attaching, removing, orinterchanging a light adaptor 304 with a complementary housing assembly302. As is appreciable the housing assembly 212 of FIG. 5 and the lightadaptor 214 b of FIGS. 5 and 6B are shown, while any light assembly orcomponent thereof as discussed herein is contemplated.

The housing assembly 302 includes an adaptor receptacle 306 that iscomplementary to the light adaptor 304. The adaptor receptacle 306includes a recessed portion 308, as well as an aperture 310. Theaperture 310 includes a set of tab openings 312 configured to receive aset of tabs on the light adaptor 304, such as the set of fingers 242 ofFIG. 6A, for example. Initially, the user inserts light adaptor 304 intothe receptacle 306, represented by arrow 314. Once inserted, the lightadaptor 304 can be rotated within the receptacle 306, as represented bythe arrows 316, until tabs (not visible in FIG. 7 , but can be seen inFIGS. 6A-6C) are offset from the tab openings 312, such that the flange314 is provided between a band 320, and the tabs. In this way, the lightadaptor 304 is secured to the housing assembly 302 within the adaptorreceptacle 306. Electrically coupling elements, such as the springinserts 220 shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, can be provided between a circuitboard 322 (within the housing assembly 302) and the light adaptor 304,to electrically and communicatively couple the particular light adaptor304 to the housing assembly 302, to form a functional lighting assembly300.

As is appreciable, a user or installer can quickly and readily switchthe different adaptors to quickly and easily conform the lightingassembly to the particular vehicle. In this way, a user can incorporatethe lighting assemblies as discussed herein into any vehicle system,without worry about be able to adapt to the particular wiring harness orelectrical connector utilized with the particular vehicle.

For OEMs, the light assemblies as discussed herein can eliminate therequirement to buy lighting systems from the same manufacturer whichprovides them the wiring harness. Additionally, the light assembliesprovide for using common lighting systems for any vehicle, regardless ofthe wiring harness or connector manufacturer. It improves commercial andengineering flexibility for OEMs.

For distributors or dealers, the light assemblies enable thedistributors and dealers to inventory only a single housing assembly.The housing assembly is the most expensive part of the light system, andcan be costly for a distributor or dealer to inventory multiple housingassembly types. The variable adaptor as described herein provides forquickly and easily changing the type of adaptor, which is the leastexpensive part of the system. It eliminates extraneous wiring,harnesses, connectors, lighting, sensors, and otherwise, which reducescost and increases spacing availability for additional vehiclecomponents.

For end users, the light assemblies provide for adapting existinglighting to new wiring harnesses, such as in a field replacementscenario, or eliminates the need to buy a new light or a jumper in theevent there is an issue with the light, such as required replacement.Additionally, in the case of a replacement of a light, the replacementcost can be mitigated, as there is no need to find the correct wiringharness or connector for the particular lighting system. Thus, costs arereduced for the end user when needing to replace a wiring harness orconnector, and enables the user to continue to use the particular lightwithout replacing it.

Furthermore, the lighting assembly provides for lighting manufacturersto purchase or manufacture only a single housing assembly, with only asingle adaptor. The adaptors can be used to match the light bodies asare needed to satisfy customer demand. This, in turn, requires a loweroverall inventory, which saves costs while still adapting to anyconnector type.

Additionally, for standard or even customer-specific designs, thelighting assembly 110 provides for the use of any wiring harness fromany manufacturer, and would not require a different harness or jumper toconform to any connector or vehicle type. This is a desirable solutionfor many customers or OEMs that are not looking to change or adaptexisting wiring harnesses. Furthermore, the lighting assembly asdescribed herein, at the time of initial vehicle assembly, can beadapted for any wiring harness utilized on the new build. This permitsOEMs to reduce costs by seeking out lighting from multiple suppliers,rather than being limited to buying lighting from the manufacturers whohave lighting that only connects to their wiring harness type. Furtherstill, OEMs are also permitted to change wiring harness manufacturesbased upon customer need or specifications, without being forced tochange lighting suppliers.

Aftermarket distributors, such as vehicle dealerships or servicecenters, often purchase commonly used lights to maintain in inventory.Utilizing the lighting assembly described herein, the aftermarketdistributors can maintain inventory of the connector adaptors, which canenable the distributor to sell components or satisfy customer demand forspecific connector types, without requiring an inventory for eachdifferent type. This reduces inventory and overall inventory investment.

Furthermore, the lighting assembly described herein provides forretrofitting existing vehicle assemblies with new technology, such ascontrol systems that incorporate sensing technology, without the need tochange the wiring harness, or worrying about trying to match theparticular connector. Depending on the smart adaptor electronics, thesensors in the light or smart adaptor, and the controller that hasaccess to the vehicle wiring, multiple active or passive sensingtechnology packages are envisioned. Examples of technology packagesadded to retrofit vehicles include, but are not limited to, reversealert and sensing, turn alert and sensing, proximity to stationary ormoving objects, signal (including visible light) exchange fromstationary or moving objects, environmental conditions (such astemperature, weather, or road conditions), vehicle coordination withautomated machines (from vehicles to transport devices to stationaryinfrastructures like gates or toll booths).

Many other possible aspects and configurations in addition to that shownin the above figures are contemplated by the present disclosure. To theextent not already described, the different features and structures ofthe various aspects can be used in combination with others as desired.That one feature cannot be illustrated in some of the aspects is notmeant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity ofdescription. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can bemixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the newaspects are expressly described. In one non-limiting example, aspects ofFIGS. 6A-6C may be combined or rearranged with one another in varyingways.

Non-limiting aspects of this invention can include:

A vehicle lighting assembly comprising: a housing assembly; a light; andan adaptor, removably connectable to the housing assembly, forelectrically or communicatively coupling to the housing assembly,whereby the adaptor is replaceable at the housing assembly to interfacewith different configurations of wiring systems.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein thehousing assembly further includes a recess adapted to receive theadaptor.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect further comprisingan electrical interface provided within the recess, whereby the housingassembly interfaces with the adaptor via the electrical interface.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein theadaptor further includes another interface, complementary to theelectrical interface of the housing assembly.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein the recessincludes a keyway, and the adaptor is shaped complementary to thekeyway.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect further includinga sensor.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein the sensoris coupled with the housing assembly.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect further comprisinga circuit board.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein the sensoris electrically connected to the circuit board.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein thehousing assembly includes a second circuit board.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein thecircuit board is operably coupled to the second circuit board.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein the sensoris positioned at one of a center of the light, an edge of the light, oras a band extending across the light.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein theadaptor includes a circuit board.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein theadaptor further includes a set of fingers spaced from a band to define agap.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein thelighting assembly mechanically attaches to the vehicle.

The vehicle lighting assembly of any preceding aspect wherein theadaptor comprises compressible material to seal the connection betweenthe housing and the adaptor.

A vehicle light adaptor assembly comprising: a housing assemblyincluding a receptacle with an electrical interface; a light coupled tothe housing assembly; a set of adaptors, each removably connectable tothe housing assembly at the electrical interface, for adapting thehousing assembly to connect to a particular type of vehicle wiringharness; an adaptor controller provided within at least one adaptor ofthe set of adaptors; wherein the set of adaptors are interchangeablewith the housing assembly at the receptacle to electrically couple anyvehicle wiring harness to the light.

The vehicle light adaptor assembly of any preceding aspect wherein eachadaptor of the set of adaptors includes the adaptor controller.

The vehicle light adaptor assembly of any preceding aspect furthercomprising a sensor.

The vehicle light adaptor assembly of any preceding aspect wherein thesensor is operated by the adaptor controller, when the at least oneadaptor with the adaptor controller of the set of adaptors is connectedto the housing assembly at the electrical interface.

A vehicle light assembly comprising: a housing assembly including areceptacle with an electrical interface; a light coupled to the housingassembly; a set of adaptors, each removably connectable to the housingassembly at the electrical interface, for adapting the housing assemblyto connect to a particular type of vehicle wiring harness; a sensor;wherein the set of adaptors are interchangeable with the housingassembly at the receptacle to electrically couple any vehicle wiringharness to the light.

The vehicle light assembly of any preceding aspect further comprising acontroller communicatively coupled to the sensor.

The vehicle light assembly of any preceding aspect wherein thecontroller is communicatively coupled to the light.

A method of installing a vehicle lighting assembly, the methodcomprising: connecting an adaptor from a set of adaptors to a housingassembly, whereby the adaptor from the set of adaptors is configured toconnect to a vehicle electronics system.

The method of any preceding aspect wherein connecting further includesinserting the adaptor from the set of adaptors within a recess on thehousing assembly.

The method of any preceding aspect further comprising rotating theadaptor from the set of adaptors within the recess to fasten the adaptorof the set of adaptors to the housing assembly.

A method of adapting a vehicle lighting assembly to a vehicle wiringharness, the method comprising: connecting an adaptor from a set ofadaptors to a housing assembly, whereby the adaptor from the set ofadaptors is configured to connect the vehicle lighting assembly to thevehicle wiring harness; and connecting the vehicle wiring harness to thevehicle lighting assembly at the adaptor from the set of adaptorsconnected to the housing assembly.

The method of any preceding aspect wherein connecting the adapter to thehousing assembly further includes inserting the adaptor from the set ofadaptors within an aperture on the housing assembly.

The method of any preceding aspect further comprising rotating theadaptor from the set of adaptors within the aperture to fasten theadaptor of the set of adaptors to the housing assembly.

This written description uses examples to describe aspects of thedisclosure described herein, including the best mode, and also to enableany person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure,including making and using any devices or systems and performing anyincorporated methods. The patentable scope of aspects of the disclosureis defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, or if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle light adaptor assembly comprising: ahousing having a first electrical interface; and at least one adaptorcomprising at least one adaptor connector and a controller includingactive circuitry for controlling operation of the vehicle light adaptorassembly, the at least one adaptor removably connectable to the housingvia the first electrical interface; wherein the at least one adaptor iselectrically coupled to any vehicle wiring harness via the at least oneadaptor connector.
 2. The vehicle light adaptor assembly of claim 1further comprising at least one light electrically connected to thehousing.
 3. The vehicle light adaptor assembly of claim 2, wherein thecontroller includes a processor for communicating with a vehicle system.4. The vehicle light adaptor assembly of claim 3, further comprising atleast one module located in the housing or in the at least one adaptor,the at least one module providing communication between the vehiclesystem and the at least one light.
 5. The vehicle light adaptor assemblyof claim 4, wherein the controller is a circuit board integral with theat least one module.
 6. The vehicle light adaptor assembly of claim 5,wherein the at least one module is multiple modules.
 7. The vehiclelight adaptor assembly of claim 6, further comprising at least onecircuit board located in the housing and integral with at least one ofthe multiple modules.
 8. The vehicle light adaptor assembly of claim 6,further comprising a dedicated connector receiver located in one of thehousing or the adaptor for selectively connecting at least one of themultiple modules to the vehicle light adaptor assembly.
 9. The vehiclelight adaptor assembly of claim 3, wherein the controller is a circuitboard with active circuitry for overseeing fault monitoring.
 10. Thevehicle light adaptor assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sensorin signal communication with the controller.
 11. The vehicle lightadaptor assembly of claim 10, further comprising an additionalcontroller located in the housing and in communication with the sensor.12. The vehicle light adaptor assembly of claim 11, further comprisingat least one module located in the housing or in the at least oneadaptor, the at least one module for controlling the sensor.
 13. Thevehicle light adaptor assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least oneadaptor further comprises at least one adaptor electrical interfacecomplementary to the first electrical interface.
 14. A smart adaptorassembly comprising: a light having a first electrical interface; atleast one adaptor, removably and electrically connectable with the firstelectrical interface, for adapting the light to connect to a particulartype of vehicle wiring harness; and a controller located within the atleast one adaptor, the controller for controlling operation of thelight.
 15. The smart adaptor assembly of claim 14, further comprising atleast one module integral with the controller and for providing remotecommunication control of the smart adaptor assembly.
 16. The smartadaptor assembly of claim 14, further comprising at least one sensor,with sensor information being transmitted via at least one module or theat least one adaptor.
 17. The smart adaptor assembly of claim 14,further comprising a second controller in signal communication with thelight or the at least one adaptor for incorporating additionalfunctionalities beyond controlling operation of the light.
 18. The smartadaptor assembly of claim 17, further comprising a sensor electricallycoupled to the light or the at least one adaptor.
 19. The smart adaptorassembly of claim 18, wherein the sensor is capable of makingmeasurements and in signal communication with the second controller. 20.The smart adaptor assembly of claim 19, wherein the second controllerfurther comprises a processor for storing, parsing, or otherwiseinterpreting a signal representative of measurements made by the sensor.